Brett Nielsen

As a political science major at UVSC, Brett Nielsen from American Fork, Utah jumped at the chance to get involved in politics by interviewing and filming UVSC students on their basic knowledge of the constitution for a school project. As a result, Nielsen was later recommended by UVSC professor, Dr. Odell Miner, for an internship at the State Capitol for the 2006 legislative session, the first year that UVSC was granted internship positions. Nielsen was selected to represent and work for two different members of the State House of Representatives; Rep. Brad Daw and Rep. Craig Frank.

His connections at Utah’s Capitol Hill paid off when former congressional candidate Matt Throckmorton chose Nielsen to fly to Washington D.C. and attend a policy conference with a group called AIPAC (American Israeli Public Action Committee), a special interest group that focuses on America’s foreign policy in the Middle East. Nielsen received a scholarship from the group who funded the trip and was able to meet and discuss policy with important political figures including Newt Gingrich. Nielsen and Rep. Throckmorton are now working through AIPAC leaders21 at the nation's Capitol to establish an AIPAC chapter at UVSC and BYU by the end of the year.

“UVSC is the reason this opportunity was given to me,” Nielsen said. “I will forever have UVSC to thank for helping me get my foot in the door”

This year, Nielsen was elected as a county delegate to help select candidates represented for election and has also been asked to help run Rep. Brad Daws' reelection campaign. Nielsen will apply for law school next year, and hopes to use a law degree to become even more involved and influential in the field of politics.

“UVSC has been integral in providing opportunity,” Nielsen said “If you’re interested in politics, get involved now and quickly, even if it’s on a small scale. Volunteer and get to know people because really that’s what it comes down to – it’s who you know.”